Mesothelioma is defined as a rare and virulent cancer induced by asbestos exposure, and particularly affects the lining of the abdomen, lungs, or heart. Treatment can be difficult due to the nature of late diagnosis that is usually associated with this disease. With technological and medical advancements, there is hope for better treatment outcomes. If you are suffering from mesothelioma or have a loved one suffering, you may want to read about the novel treatment methods that are available for treating mesothelioma. This article will discuss different available treatments and their associated benefits. These include:
1. Multimodal Treatment Strategy
One treatment approach for mesothelioma would be the multimodal treatment strategy. This method integrates surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and new treatments to attack the disease from various fronts. Each technique brings its own merits, and can collectively enhance the chances of survival and symptom alleviation.
2. Surgical Innovations
Improvements are being made to conventional surgery methods over recent years. Surgeons undertake operations like extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) to excise tumors and infected tissues. EPP excises the lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium on one side of the thorax. P/D does not excise the lung but takes out the pleura and gross tumor mass. P/D, in particular, has shown better outcomes than those patients who have undergone EPP. However, both surgeries can decrease tumor burden and enhance respiratory function when combined with other therapies.
3. Improvements in Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy continues to be the mainstay of mesothelioma treatment. Physicians most frequently use a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed to slow down tumor progression and reduce cancerous cells. Investigators also seek out new drug combinations and delivery mechanisms. Intraperitoneal or intrapleural chemotherapy facilitates direct drug administration to the site of the tumor, minimizing systemic toxicity and increasing efficacy.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy for mesothelioma presents itself as a groundbreaking therapy for targeting the disease. This method stimulates the immune system of the body to target and destroy cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and ipilimumab have shown good results in clinical trials. These agents inhibit the proteins that cancer cells employ to remain hidden from immune surveillance. Patients have improved survival rates and lower side effects with immunotherapy compared to standard chemotherapy.
5. Improved Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used as an adjuvant treatment for mesothelioma. Beams of high energy aim at cancer cells and alleviate pain and recurrence post-surgery. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows physicians to deliver the correct dose with minimal damage to healthy tissue. This technology lessens complications and enhances the quality of life during and after treatment.
6. Targeted and Gene-Based Therapies
Gene therapy and targeted therapy unlock new horizons in the treatment of mesothelioma. Researchers find individual genetic mutations within mesothelioma cells and create drugs that disrupt their activity. Bevacizumab is a drug that blocks angiogenesis, by which tumors acquire blood vessels. Without a supply of blood, tumors lose their growth and metastatic potential. Researchers also use CRISPR technology and RNA-based therapies for editing or silencing cancer-inducing genes.
7. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) is another emerging technology. This therapy applies electric fields to interfere with cancer cell division. Patients are equipped with a portable device that provides low-intensity electrical pulses to the chest. Clinical trials demonstrate that TTFields prolong survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma when combined with chemotherapy.
Role of Clinical Trials
Clinical trials also push the evolution of mesothelioma treatment forward. The studies evaluate new medicines, devices, and combinations for safety and efficacy. Patients get access to novel therapies that have the potential to enhance survival and provide insights into future treatment protocols.
Individualized medicine is increasingly being used in the treatment of mesothelioma. Physicians examine tumor profiles, gene mutations, and patient medical information to develop individualized treatment strategies. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of treatment and reduces unwanted side effects.
Endnote
The landscape for mesothelioma treatment is changing rapidly with advancements in medicine and technology. Innovations in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy provide new hope for patients. Researchers advance cancer care with novel strategies and clinical cooperation. As treatment options improve, mesothelioma patients can receive more effective, less aggressive, and more tailored therapies. The ultimate hope is to improve the quality of life of mesothelioma patients and bring them a sense of normalcy.
